Children have confronted motorists who park badly outside schools
21/09/2010 11:11:27
As part of a Surrey County Council and Surrey Police campaign to tackle anti-social driving.
The Park SMART message was spread by youngsters from Holmesdale Community Infant School, in Reigate and St Jude's C of E Junior School, in Egham, on Monday afternoon who attempted to persuade drivers to abandon their bad parking habits. They were joined by police officers and members of the council's Safer and Smarter Travel team
Inconsiderate parking is a particular problem outside schools in Surrey where regular bad behaviour includes flouting parking restrictions designed to keep children safe, mounting pavements and blocking roads, crossing points and junctions.
Anti-social parking is not just an issue for schools which is why motorists across the county are being asked to be more considerate. The issue is also a particular concern for residents living in streets near stations where some commuters leave their cars blocking driveways, on verges and pavements, or at junctions before catching the train.
Dr Andrew Povey, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "Snarl ups caused by bad parking can make the blood boil with frustration and create unnecessary jams and delays. It's a particular problem around schools in Surrey where inconsiderate parking creates situations where children's lives are put at risk as they dodge traffic. I would urge people to take more care and give some thought to those around them when parking."
Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Kirkby of Surrey Police added: "Inconsiderate parking is an issue that residents regularly raise at meetings with the police and I hope this initiative reassures them that we are listening to their concerns and acting on them."
Park SMART is part of Surrey County Council and Surrey Police’s year-long Drive SMART campaign which aims to tackle the problem of anti-social driving – an issue highlighted as a major concern by residents.